Back to Basics More and more women are having professional make-up lessons to discover how to make more of their cosmetics ... Cosmetics à la carte Starting Again Make-up Lesson, tested by Sharon Chadwick, 51, from Kent: Make-up artist Laura Martin was very kind as she peered into my scruffy make-up bag. Although Cosmetics à la carte is in Knightbridge I didn't feel intimidated. Laura mixed a custom foundation for me and when I compared it to the yellow-based one I'd been using the results were startling. Next, she applied a complete new look for night time, then removed it and gave me a day-tme look so I could waltz out in the afternoon looking dewy fresh. Elsa McAlonan in the Daily Mail, 24 April 2008
	Glamour on a Budget: Bright Eyes Summer is the time to experiment with colour and, to match the vibrant clothes on the Hight Street, the beauty companies have followed suit with bright and bold make-up guaranteed to get you notied ... for the really creative, Cosmetics à la carte do a divine Precious Jewels Trio in Denim. These three glistiening creamy eye sheens can be smudged on with your fingertips individually or blended together. Madeline Crisp in the Daily Mirror, 8 May 2008
The Best Lessons from the Experts Cosmetics à la carte two-hour Starting Again session: The highly trained team of make-up artists will guide you through a relaxed, helpful, step-by-step lesson in cleansing, priming and colour matching, and send you home with an arsenal of your own made-to-measure foundation. If you want to get to grips with the details, be sure to book in for their specific mini-lessons - in 30 minutes you'll learn how to create smoky eyes or perfectly plumped lips. Malena Harbers in Harper's Bazaar, May 2008
Jenny Jordan's Foolproof Tricks Every Woman Should Know! Jenny is a fan of Cosmetics à la carte Skin Veil: 'a wipe-on product that really does fill in the creases. Don't be put off by the colour, it's flawless on the skin.' For concealer, Jenny recommends à la carte's Secret Light and for blusher, creamy Cheek Tint in 'universally flattering' Fawn. Sainsbury's Magazine, May 2008
Beauty Website of the Week! www.cosmeticsalacarte.com With over 38 products and a wide variety of shades, you'll be spoilt for choice on this website. They'll even match discontinued foundation and lipstick shades from a sample of the original. They can also prepare additive-free foundations for people with allergies. In The Know, May 2007
	Anti-shine Brush Cosmetics à la carte Brush on Silk in Sand. For those of you whose skin looks shinier than your new metallic dress on a night out, these powder brushes are a godsend! I use them on shoots across the model's T-zone to keep shine away - and because the powder's already loaded in a brush there's no faffing about. They fit into the smallest clutch and you don't need a mirror - result! Beauty director Claire Ray in Look, May 2007
Backstage Secret: Enhancing a cleavage Make-up artists use the same shading method to deepen models' cleavages – giving the impression of a larger bust – as they do to shape a face. The trick works as well in real life as it does on the catwalk and the staple is dusting powder. Using a light-reflective body or face highlighting powder, a shade darker than your natural skin tone, just brush it into your cleavage to create an illusion of depth. Try Cosmetics à la carte Brush on Silk - use Honey or Freckle on fair skin and Bronze on dark. The Daily Telegraph Magazine, 21 April 2007
	Beauty Matters "Q: I have ginger hair and a pale complexion. I need some tips on how to add colour to my face and eyes so that men will look at me and not just my hair!" "A: With so many icons on the catwalk, stage and screen flaunting red hair these days, it is highly fashionable, so enjoy it! Cosmetics à la carte Moisture Tint in opal will really enhance your colouring. As well as flattering any freckles and your pale complexion, it will also give protection against the sun - a vital precaution all year around. Gor for eye shadows in soft iridescent greens, while cheeks and lips will look fresh and fabulous in corals" Alison Young in The Magazine, November 2006
Full-on Glamour "Holywood glamour is back in a big way this season" says Beverley C. "Think Scarlett Johansson, Dita Von Teese, Eva Longoria and Heidi Klum .... " Make-up: Firyal Arneil using Cosmetics à la carte. Hair: Beverley C. Photo: John Booth. Beverley C's Styling Secrets, Hair, January 2007
Go bespoke! "For personal service in the comfort of your home, try Cosmetics à la carte. Make-up 'to fit' is the cornerstone of the experience, but there's also a superb ready-to-wear range and services online. Christina Stewart and Lynne Sanders, creative cosmetic chemists, founded the business over 30 years ago and were the first to create made-to-measure make-up. With lessons designed to make you look your best, they offer a service that even make-up artists have come to rely on. Has your old favourite make-up been discontinued? Send a swatch or stub and they'll recreate it. Woman & Home, February 2007
Say 'Hello!' to à la carte "A firm favourite with professional make-up artists, this company offers foundation formulations to suit every skin type and colour, as well as a comprehensive range of professional make-up shades. Also available are a wide range of pure bristle make-up brushes, bags, cases and applicators. Try Matte Miracle - blurs skin imperfections and keeps shine at bay." from Hello!, May 2006
Less is more ... "Film and TV starts are surrounded by professional make-up artists ... so no wonder their heavy make-up stays put. For mere mortals less is definitely more. Lynne Sanders of the brilliant duo that founded Cosmetics à la carte says that in the morning it is best to apply your normal skin care at least an hour before make-up. 'Then use a little light under make-up primer like Rose Dew with Matte Miracle on your T-zone to minimise open pores and keep skin prone to overheating cool and oil-free,' she says. 'Then you add foundation and use a make-up sponge or foundation brush to smooth evenly over the face.' Try their Skin Tint formulated from Matrixyl 'micro-collagen' to maintain skin profile and elasticity. Or, if you can, go to Cosmetics à la carte for a make-up lesson. It's worth it." Kathy Phillips in The Observer Magazine June 2006
	Brilliant Bridal Beauty Tips "Cosmetics à la carte - try their Bridal Make-up Masterclass to learn how to create the perfect look, or book a Professional Wedding Make-up on the day for bride, mother and bridesmaids too." from Wedding Day, July 2006 (photo Alessandro Cecchini)
Ask Hilary "Dear Hilary, is there a company that makes customised lipsticks? I am disappointed that the makers have stopped producing my favourite shade, which was the perfect colour for me. Barbara, Newbury." "Dear Barbara, Cosmetics à la carte provides just the service you need. It will either make individual colours to suit you or copy a discontinued or difficult to find lipstick (testers will ensure you get the exact shade)." from The Daily Telegraph, April 2006
We're in Anouska's bag "Beauty Biography: Anouska Hempel, founder of The Hempel and Blakes hotels, Australian actress-turned-designer ... 'In my make-up bag you'll find Cosmetics à la carte foundation'." from ES Magazine, June 2006
Kim's a fan "Kim Jacob is an international make-up artist with an interest in skincare that has led her to work with cosmetic brands helping them develop their products ... She is also a big fan of the make-up range Cosmetics à la carte, great colours and good bases." from www.beautyandthedirt.co.uk, September 2006

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